Appeals

In the event that a health care provider (HCP) or service provider disagrees with a decision made by USAC or Rural Health Care (RHC) regarding eligibility, funding, or payment recovery, that party may appeal the decision. At the party's discretion, the appeal may be made to USAC/RHC, or to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). USAC encourages parties to appeal first to USAC.

Appeals must be filed within 60 days of the issuance of the decision from USAC and must be postmarked or date-stamped within 60 days of that date. Pursuant to FCC rules, failure to meet this requirement will result in automatic dismissal of the appeal. See Section 54.719 of the FCC's rules for the details associated with filing an appeal.

To File an Appeal with USAC

Letters of appeal may be sent via regular U.S. mail, by email, or by fax.

Explain the appeal to USAC in as much detail as possible. The appeal must identify a problem and the reason for its appeal. Please include any supporting documentation such as copies of forms and letters, and explain precisely what action you would like taken.

All appellants will receive acknowledgment of their appeal. USAC will review all letters of appeal and respond in writing within 90 days of receipt of the appeal. The response will either grant the appeal or will explain why the appeal was not granted.

If the HCP or service provider disagrees with USAC's response, it may file an appeal with the FCC within 60 days of the date USAC issued its decision in response to the rural HCP letter of appeal.

To File an Appeal with the FCC

An HCP or service provider may appeal a USAC decision with the FCC. The HCP or service provider must file its appeal to the FCC within 60 days of the date of the USAC decision. For more information about submitting appeals to the FCC, see the FCC's website. Appeals can be sent by:

Electronic delivery

The FCC recommends filing with the Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) to ensure timely filing. Instructions for using ECFS can be found on the ECFS page of the FCC website. Electronic appeals will be considered filed on a business day if they are received at any time before 12:00 AM ET.

As with appeals to USAC, appeals to the FCC must provide the HCP name and HCP number, plus necessary contact information including the name, address, telephone number, fax number, and email address (if available) of the person filing the appeal. Unless the appeal is made electronically via ECFS, please include a copy of the USAC letter being appealed. All correspondence to the FCC (including appeals) must include a reference to Docket No. 02-60.

The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) is dedicated to achieving universal service. As a not-for-profit corporation designated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), we administer the $10 billion Universal Service Fund. With the guidance of the FCC policy, we collect and deliver funding through four programs that are focused specifically on places where broadband and connectivity needs are acute.